Toshiba's 8-bit MCU targets portable digital consumer apps

San Jose, Calif. Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.'s newest 8-bit microcontroller called the TMP89FS60UG/FG is aimed at a wide range of applications from portable digital-consumer products, to large-scale uses requiring large-capacity ROM, such as air conditioners, washing machines, and other white goods.

The general purpose MCU, which is the first device based on Toshiba's new 8-bit TLCS-870/C1 CPU core, combines 60 Kbytes of SuperFlash memory with various interfaces for serial communications, a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and analog IP blocks that provide voltage-level detection and power-on reset functions. The new core can process one instruction cycle in a single clock cycle, enabling faster processing at lower frequencies, reduced noise and lower power consumption compared with the previous Toshiba 8-bit core.

"Our next-generation TLCS-870/C1 Series 8-bit MCUs with SuperFlash technology are customer-driven solutions that offer low power, low voltage, large-capacity memory and high-speed processing comparable to that of 16-bit devices. The highly integrated TMP89FS60UG/FG helps reduce system cost by incorporating a voltage-detection circuit, a power-on reset circuit and an on-chip debug function," said Roland Gehrmann, business development manager in the ASSP Business Unit at TAEC.

on-chip debugger

He noted that the on-chip debugger enhances development efficiency by enabling software-version upgrades in the field as well as debugging on mass-production boards. He added that the core is binary compatible with previous Toshiba 8-bit MCU cores, allowing existing software resources to be used. When used in combination with a Toshiba C compiler, high code efficiency can be achieved.

Samples of TMP89FS60UG/FG are available now and volume production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2007. TMP89FS60UG/FG is priced at $4.50 each in 10,000-piece quantities. For technical inquiries, please e-mail Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.